Top 14 Hiking Trails in Wisconsin

Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, WI

Located in Baraboo, Devil's Lake State Park is one of the most commonly visited hiking trails in Wisconsin. Its views overlook the beautiful Devil's Lake and has over 29 miles of trails, covering all skill levels. Don't forget your pups are always welcome here, too.

Scuppernong Springs Nature Trail, Dousman, WI

Scuppernong Nature Trail is a shorter hiking area to tackle with only being a mile and a half. However, this trail is in a loop in which one can continue around as many times as they'd like. View wildlife in the marsh, remains of an old railroad, and learn about the history that the Scuppernong Natural Trail houses.

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, Horicon, WI

The Horicon National Wildlife Refuge is a 22,000-acre refuge. Enjoy hiking year around on several miles of hiking trails in wooded area, marsh, prairie, and the Bud Cook Hiking Area where guests are encouraged to explore off the trail.

Lake O'Dalles Trail, Interstate State Park, WI

Lake O'Dalles is a small hiking trail off of Interstate Park near the Wisconsin-Minnesota state border. This trail wraps around the beautiful Lake O'Dalles. This specific trail is only accessible from March to September.

Brady's Bluff Trail, Trempealeau, WI

Brady's Bluff Trail overlooks both the Mississippi River and the Trempealeau River. Located 40 minutes north of La Crosse on the Minnesota-Wisconsin border, view beautiful bluffs and wildlife. Brady's Bluff is a 2.7-mile loop that is only open April to October.

Mallard Lake Trail, Whitnall Park, WI

Mallard Lake Trail is located near Milwaukee in Whitnall Park. This is a light trail that is only around a mile and a half in distance. It loops around Whitnall Park Pond and is accessible all year round. Mallard Lake Trail has the ability to connect to other trails off of Whitnall Park to extend your hiking experience.

Governor Dodge State Park, Dodgeville, WI

Located in Iowa County, Governor Dodge State Park is a hiker's dream. This park is home to 5,350 acres of steep trails, rock cliffs, and wooded forest-not to mention two lakes and one waterfall.

Niagara Escarpment, WI

Niagara Escarpment is a long steep slope that runs across the United States and parts of Canada. In Wisconsin, the Niagara Escarpment runs through the Door County and eastern part of Wisconsin. These steep cliffs make for a tough hiking course that winds through forested area and views of Lake Michigan.

Ice Age Trail, WI

The Ice Age Trail is a 1,000-mile trail winding across the state of Wisconsin. There are so many areas in which one can begin their hiking experience. Traveling through 31 different counties the Ice Age Trail ranges in experience level as well. Different landscape features along its trail were carved out from glacial ice-thus its name, Ice Age Trail.

Hoyt Park Trail, Milwaukee County, WI

Near Milwaukee, the Hoyt Park Trail is a relatively flat hiking trail. Only around two and half miles in length this hiking and biking trail mirrors the Menomonee River side. This hiking trail is free to the public, allows for mountain bikes, and has parking available.

Pattison State Park, Superior, WI

Pattison State Park is located in northern Wisconsin in the town of Superior. Pattison State Park is home to the highest waterfalls in Wisconsin, the most beautiful cliffs, and a lake with a beach for relaxing after a long hike.

Willow Falls Trail, Hudson, WI

Willow Falls Trail has almost 3,000 acers of prairie, wooded forest, and river views with a 200-foot-deep gorge. There are a few different rock climbing areas along the trail if you want to take your outdoor experience to the next level.

Timm's Hill Trail, Price County, WI

Connected to the Ice Age Trail, Timm's Hill Trail is a 10-mile-long trail that embodies Wisconsin's highest point of elevation. The elevation reaches nearly 2,000 feet and is open year round. Timm's Hill Trail is a popular spot for regular bald eagle sightings.

Parnell Tower Loop Trail, Campbellsport, WI

This three-and-a-half mile loop begins at the trails highest elevation. There is a 60-foot observation tower that oversees the trail and the landscape. A perfect preface to a great hike on the Parnell Tower Loop Trail.

Key Insights at a Glance

• Wisconsin is home to many great hiking trails across the state.
• Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo is one of the most commonly visited hiking trails in Wisconsin.
• Scuppernong Nature Trail in Dousman is a shorter hiking area with a loop trail.
• Horicon National Wildlife Refuge in Horicon offers several miles of hiking trails in wooded areas, marsh, and prairie
• Lake O'Dalles Trail in Interstate State Park near the Wisconsin-Minnesota state border is only accessible from March to September.
• Brady's Bluff Trail in Trempealeau overlooks the Mississippi River and the Trempealeau River.
• Mallard Lake Trail in Whitnall Park near Milwaukee is a light trail that loops around Whitnall Park Pond.
• Governor Dodge State Park in Dodgeville is home to steep trails, rock cliffs, and wooded forest.
• Niagara Escarpment in Wisconsin runs through Door County and offers tough hiking courses with views of Lake Michigan.
• Ice Age Trail is a 1,000-mile trail winding across the state with different landscape features carved out from glacial ice.
• Hoyt Park Trail in Milwaukee County is a relatively flat hiking trail along the Menomonee River.
• Pattison State Park in Superior is home to the highest waterfalls in Wisconsin, cliffs, and a lake with a beach.
• Willow Falls Trail in Hudson offers prairie, wooded forest, river views, and rock climbing areas.
• Timm's Hill Trail is connected to the Ice Age Trail and is Wisconsin's highest point of elevation.
• Parnell Tower Loop Trail in Campbellsport offers a 60-foot observation tower overlooking the landscape.